Amusement device



May 15, 1934. c. w. HILL 1,958,892

AMUSEMENT DEVICE Filed Feb. 8, 1930 2 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTOR 67/172455 11.0% 4

/ ATTORNEY May 15, 1934. c. w. HILL AMUSEMENT DEVICE Filed Feb. 8, 1930 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 "ws o ono o INVENTOR 620294 :6 MM j W ATTORNEY Patented May 15, 1934 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 12 Claims.

This invention relates to an amusement device or game and it is a general object of the invention to provide an attractive and novel amusement device suitable for amusement parks, resorts, etc.

An object of the invention is to provide an amusement device in which a person or player employing more or less skill may propel or move gas inflated toy balloons or other objects, lighter than air, by the application or means of air currents and jets of air or other fluid directed by the player against the objects floating in air for the purpose of driving said objects through one or more cage compartments to a pre-arranged goal.

Another object of the invention is to provide an amusement device of the character mentioned, which embodies a. cage construction suited to the purpose, in which the cage and its several compartments are formed of cord or wire netting with large mesh so that the interior of the cage compartments are plainly visible from the exterior of the cage or players space of the amusement device, and for the further purpose of permitting air currents and/or air jets, to freely reach the balloons from the exterior of the cage.

It is another object of the invention to provide an amusement device of the character mentioned which embodies conveniently arranged means and facilities in convenient positions whereby a player or players may direct air currents or jets toward balloons in the cage.

Another object of the invention is to provide an amusement device of the character mentioned in which the apparatus used by the player for discharging air currents or air jets into the cage compartments may be mounted on a carriage which can be moved backward and forward by the player to bring the air nozzles into the desired positions for directing air currents against the balloon or balloons.

A further object of the invention consists in providing swiveling supports for the nozzles carried by the movable carriage in order that a player may swing the nozzles in all directions as needed.

Another object of the invention is to provide means for directing air currents or air jets at various positions inside the cage compartments and toward various parts of the several cages for the purpose of agitating and circulating the balloons.

Another object of the invention is to provide an amusement device which embodies novel means for releasing or feeding balloons into the cages and for removing or clearing balloons from the cages and storing them ready for use again, this operation being performed preferably from one point, for example, at one side of a single unit or at one end of a group of units.

Another object of the invention is to provide inside the cage and its compartments various forms of hazards or devices for puncturing or exploding balloons if the balloons come against side by side or adjacent to each other, each combination or unit being operable alone and the several independent units being simultaneously controlled from one point, preferably external to and at one end of a group of units.

Another object of the invention consists in providing means for simultaneously releasing balloons into the cages of the several units of a group of units, and means for simultaneously clearing or removing balloons from all the cages of the group, the operation being performed from one convenient point, preferably at the end of a group of units.

Another object of the invention consists in incorporating into the amusement device a means for placing on display prizes and other objects of interest to players and public.

Another object of the invention consists in providing means whereby the movable carriage is automatically returned to its starting position after play is terminated and for keeping the movable carriage in its proper line of travel during the period of play.

; Other objects and features of the invention will be best or more fully understood from the following detailed description of a typical form of the invention, throughout which description refershoe is had to the accompanying drawings, in which: a

Fig. 1 is a vertical detailed sectional view from front to rear of a unit of the device provided by the invention. Fig. 2 is a transverse vertical detailed sectional View taken as indicated by line 22 of Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a detailed transverse sectional view taken substantially as indicated by line 3-3 on Fig. 1. tion of the carriage embodied in the invention. Fig. 5 is an enlarged vertical detailed sectional view of the mounting of the nozzles.

The amusement device provided by this invention includes, generally, a plurality of like or 1 Fig. 4 is a front elevasimilar units, set side by side or adjacent to each other, each unit combining a players space or enclosure 10, above which is provided a cage or compartment 11 into which balloons will be delivered manually assisted by air currents or air jets and retained in cage 11 until placed in play in a rear cage or compartment 12 and an upper cage or compartment 13, a passage 14 between rear cage 12 and upper cage 13, hazards 15 and 49 in thecage compartments adapted to puncture or explode balloons, means 17 for releasing balloons from cage 11 into cage 12, means 18 and 62 for releasing balloons from cages 12 and 13, means 42 and '70 for driving or clearing the balloons from cages 12 and 13 and carrying them into storage chamber 39 by means of air currents, a movable carriage 19, means 20 and 20s on carriage 19 for directing air currents or air jets into the cages 11, 12, and 13, with the object of moving or propelling the balloons through the cage 12 and passage'14 into cage 13 and into the several recesses 35, which form a part of the ceiling 34 of cage 13. I

Each unit of the amusement device includes a light frame formed of members 32 29 26 and 23 united to and braced by transverse members or braces 43 27 51 and 23 arranged where needed to provide a strong and light skeleton structure to carry or support the cord or wire net-' ting which forms or defines the cages 11, 12 and 13 with their appurtenances, all of which may be in turn supported by or built into a building or enclosure as illustrated in Fig. 1. I The building or frame structure shown in the drawings includes the studs 21 at the rear of cage 12, the girder 21 above the ceiling 34 of cage 13, the front lintel 21 which may be suitably supported by columns where required, and the panel '79 which supports the front 29 and bottom of cage 12.

The skeleton frame of eachunit carries a screen or netting of cord or wire preferably made with large mesh,. the frame and .netting effectively forming one or more cages or compartments in which the balloons are retained during the progress'v of play. The side walls 24 and 24 of each cage or unit are formed in the same manner and are preferably vertical, the object being to create a series of cages. in each unit and a series of units in a group in which there shall be a minimum of obstruction to vision and to free play of air currents used in the playing of the amusement. I

q The compartment or cage 11 is provided for T2 holding or retaining one or more balloons pending the starting or beginning of play. Cage 11 is preferably located above the head and reach of players at the front or forward partof the structure enclosing the unit or units. The front of b] cage 11 is formed by the netting 25, while the bottom 27 which is formed by the continuation of the curved netting 29 to 27 The top of cage 11 is formed by the horizontal netting 26 which is continued toward the rear to form a top to 65.1 cage. 12, the rearward or back side of cage 11 is filled completely by a netting attached to a light metal frame 28 to form a gate or door 28, supported and held by an arm 28 connected to a shaft 43 in such manner that the turning of shaft 43 will open and close the gate 28.

The cageor compartment 12 is rearward of cagell and is defined by the sides 24 and 24 a front vertical and forwardly arching wall 29 which unites with cagell 'at the line of the gate 28; the

gate 28 forming the forward or front wall of cage Shaft 51 is supported on cage member 51*.

12. The top of cage 12 is formed by the continuation of top 26 extending to the rising curve 26 and sloping top 26 which unites with the rearward portion of ceiling 34 of cage 13. The space in the top of cage 12 at point 26 is completely filled or closed by a gate or door 31 consisting of a light frame carrying netting and supported and held by an arm 31 attached to shaft 51 in such manner that when shaft 51 is rotated or turned by means 62 the gate 31 will be raised or opened to the position shown by broken lines in Fig. 1. The back of cage 12 may be formed of a sloping panel of glass or transparent material which forms a frontfor the display case 40. The panel 49 may be connected to the vertical back 30 which is continued downward and forward in a curve 32 to formthe bottom of cage 12 joining the front 29 of cage 12. The bottom, the curved back and the vertical back of cage 12 may be perforated at severalpoints 30 30 and elsewhere to permit an air circulation toward the rear of cage 12 which can be maintained bya suction line 101 located at a convenient point behind the rear wall 30 of cage 12.

In cage 12 may be placed a rising passageway 14 preferably formed of wire netting supported upon a light frame 14 This passage way 14 may be provided with several openings leading from cage 12 into cage 13, asshown in Fig. 3. Ihe passageway 14 is centrally located between the sides of cage 12 and is provided with a lower forwardly facing opening 36 surrounded by several sharpened points or barbs 15 intended to puncture balloons. A balloon entering the lower opening 36 may be further liable to destruction by coming into contact with an electric light bulb 49 with poined end and projecting from the rear wall 30 of cage 12 inside passageway 14. If balloons pass these hazards they will rise into cage 13 through the upper portion of passageway 14 and pass through its outlet 14*.

In both sides of the passageway 14 may be located several other openings through which bal loons may pass inwardly and rise into cage 13. Two such openings 37 and 38 are shown in Fig. 3 on opposite sides of the passageway 14. The opening 37 may be provided with a hood 37 covering the lower half of the opening in a manner which will facilitate the entrance of a descending balloon into passageway 14. The opening 38 may be provided with a hood 38 covering the upper half of the opening in a manner facilitating the entrance of a rising balloon into passageway 14.

The upper cage or compartment 13 may be formed of the sides 24 and 24 and bottom consisting of the top members of cages 11 and 12 indicated at 26, 26 26 and 26. The front and rear and the top or ceiling is formed by the continuous curved ceiling 34 constructed of sheet metal or other suitable material braced and supported firmly by the frame'23, 23 and further supported by the enclosing structure 21* and 21 The rear of ceiling 34 has an opening communicating with the storage chamber 39. A gate or door normally closes the opening; this gate being opened and closed by the means 18 and 62. Theceiling 34 may be recessed to have one or more pockets 35, to provide goals or points of rest for the balloons which reach cage 13.

Under cage 11 and in front of cage 12 is the players space 10 having a slightly inclined floor or support 71 upon which the carriage 19 may be rolled backward and forward by the player in the operation or playing of the amusement or game.

The carriage 19 is provided with a shelf 76 which may carry the means 20 and 20 operated by the player during the progress of play. Carriage 19 is shown in Fig. l in solid lines in its position when at rest prior to the start of play, and the carriage 19 is indicated in broken lines in the position it may occupy when advanced to its outermost position. Preferably, the players space 10 is without sides.

A storage chamber or case 39 may be arranged at the rear of each unit or combined into a single storage chamber for several units grouped together. This storage chamber 39 is provided to receive balloons after play is ended and to retain them until required to be used again in succeedn plays. Balloons enter storage chamber 39 from cage 13 when the gate or door 50 is opened by means 18 and 62 from a convenient point preferably at one side of a unit or at one end of a group of units. Storage chamber 39 may be provided with an air outlet or suction opening 39 to assist the flow or movement of balloons toward and into chamber 39. A trap door 39 or other convenient means may be provided through which balloons may be removed to be used again in the routine of play.

A display case or chamber 40 is preferably located at the rear of cage 12 and incorporated into the rear wall 30 and the rear of ceiling 34 of cage 13. Display chamber 40 may be provided with a front 40 of glass or other transparent material and the necessary access door 40 located as shown in Fig. 1 or at any other convenient point.

The movement of balloons in the playing of this amusement or game may be according to the following routine, which can vary if necessary. Balloons are preferably fed or delivered to the cages manually by being brought under the rising duct, funnel or entrance 41 preferably located at one side of a unit or at one end of a group of units. Balloons being released under the riser 41 will float upward toward the top of duct 41 assisted by air jets or air currents. Balloons may then be carried along through a duct 41 incorporated into the top 26 of cage 11, air jets or air currents befng used to assist this movement until the balloons emerge from the duct 41 at its outlet preferably near one side of the cage 11. When several units are grouped together, several ducts may be arranged side by side with duct 41 and each duct continued through several cages until its outlet emerges into the cage of its proper unit. In Fig. 1 four ducts are shown arranged side by side with duct 41, indicating that four units are arranged in one group.

A balloon having reached cage 11 may be retained in cage 11 until the gate or door 28 is opened by means 17. It will be obvious that one or more balloons may be delivered into cage 11 as required and held until all of the several balloons are released by the opening of gate 28. Balloons being in cage 11 ready for play, the endless chain 48 is operated to turn or drive the chain wheel 47 attached to worm shaft 46 connected to worm 45 and worm gear 44. This worm gear of means 17 with its appurtenances is supported upon the cage member 43 and actuates or turns the shaft 43 to which is attached an arm 28 supporting and holding the gate 28 which closes the passage between cage 11 and 12. The gate 28 being moved by the means 17 may be lowered to position indicated by broken line in Fig. 1, permitting a balloon or balloons to enter cage 12 under the impulse given by an air current delivered from duct 42 at the front of cage 11 and blowing toward the rear of cages. Balloons will circulate around in the upper portion of cage 12 and will continue to circulate until a player or players from the playing position behind carriage 19 in players space 10, by using either the means 20 or 20 or both, mounted upon carriage 19 for the purpose, succeeds in directing the movement of balloons by projecting air jets from this apparatus upon balloons until a balloon enters the rising passage 14 and floats upward until it emerges into cage 13 through opening 14" where it may be further moved back and forth by the player, or it may come to rest in one of the ceiling recesses 35 of ceiling 34 in cage 13 which terminates the play. a

To clear the cage compartments of balloons after play is ended, the endless chain is operated to turn or drive the chain wheel 64 which revolves the worm shaft 56 on which are attached two worms 59 and 57 which actuate or move the means 62 and 18. The worm 59 engages with the segmental worm gear 60 mounted on a shaft 61. On shaft 61 is attached a lever arm 62 driving a connecting rod 63 attached to arm 52 which is attached to shaft 51 in such manner that shaft 51 is turned when means 62 is operated. To shaft 51 is attached an arm 31* which carries and holds the gate 31 which closes the opening 26 in the top of cage 12. The turn ing of shaft 51 raises the gate 31 to the position shown by broken lines in Fig. 1, leaving the top of cage open at the opening 26 for the passage of balloons from cage 12 into cage 13 assisted by air jets or currents of air.

Combined with this operation is the simultaneous opening of gate 50 by the worm 57 of means 18 engaging with segmental worm gear 57 in such manner that the shaft 53 is turned or revolved. On shaft 53 is attached arm 54 and the connecting rod 55 attached to gate 50 and holding the gate 50 at its upper edge. The gate is supported at its lower edge by hinges 58. The turning of shaft 53 lowers the gate 50 to its open position shown in broken line, in Fig. 1, leaving a passage through which balloons in cage 13 may pass to enter the storage chamber 39 assisted by air currents delivered through means or air jets, and further assisted by the suction of air from chamber 39, through the suction duct 39 or other suction points where required or convenient.

Preferably the shafts 43, 53 and 61 continue across two or more units of the amusement device, in a manner that permits of operating the various gates of several units from the means 17 and. 62, preferably set at a convenient point at one end of a group of units or one side of a single unit. It will be obvious that the means 17 and 62 may hold the gates 28, 31 and 50 in any position from full open to entirely closed, as desired, and that when the gates have been brought back to their closed position the game is ready to be resumed in the repetition of the progress of the play, as described.

The necessary supports of gearing and shafting are connected to the frame which carries the cage netting and braced where necessary to the enclosing structure. While the operation of means 17 and 62 is indicated and preferably intended to be by the application of manual power, it is obvious that electric motive power can replace manual power if necessary, convenient or the cages, ll, 12, and 13, and for facilitating the clearing or removing of balloons from the cages after play is ended.

In addition to the group of sharp points or barbs 15 and the electric light bulb 49 in passageway 14 it will be obvious that other hazards may be distributed inside the cages, all for the purpose of adding to the interest of the game and to add to the skill required in the handling of the apparatus, conveniently arranged for the use of the player or players upon movable carriage l9 operated by player in players space 10.

Carriage 19 shown in profile in Fig. 1 and in front elevation in Fig. 4 rests, preferably, upon an inclined support or floor '71. Carriage 19 is preferably arranged to be movable backward and forward a limited distance. The carriage is adapted to be shifted or operated by the player or players; this manual operation by the player I I being exerted in order that the player may carry forward and backward the means 20 and 29 that are attached to or supported upon the shelf '75 carried by the carriage 19.

The means 20 and 29 are shown in detail in Fig. 5. The means 20 may consist of a spindle 90 carrying a plate 99 The spindle 90 is free to revolve about a vertical axis in the socket 91 which has combined with it a plate 91 that may be attached to shelf 76 to act as a surface upon which plate 90 is free to revolve until the pin 91 strikes a stop. The means 20 and 20" are preferably identical up to! and including the plates 90 and 91. Above the plates various modifications may be arranged, two of which are shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 4. A bracket 87 may be attached to plate 90 The bracket supports a pivoted shelf 89, which is free to tilt forward and backward in a vertical plane on a pin 88 carrying a pair of friction plates 88 Upon the plate '90 of means 20 may be mounted a vertical post or standard 8'7 terminating in a yoke 84 said standard being free to revolve about a vertical axis with the movement of plate 90 A suitable gun or frame is swung in the yoke 8 1 3 A handle or stock 81 is provided on the gun. The gun supports or carries the free end of the air pipe or hose 92 which terminates in air nozzle 89 at the end or muzzle of gun-80. It will be obvious that the gun 80 supported in yoke 84 may be freely tipped upward and downward by player holding the handle 89 and is also free to turn on a vertical axis on the supporting plate 90 attached to shelf 76 of carriage 19. Upon the movable shelf 89 of means 20 may be at tached a small motor and blower unit or fan 81 driven by a self contained electric motor and designed to deliver a current of air through the nozzle 85. This current of air from nozzle 85 may be' directed upward or downward by the player by tipping the table 89 by pressure upon the table 89 or upon a suitable handle 89* connected to the case of blower 81.

A player may also direct the current of air in other directions by turning the blower horizon tally upon the plate 90 within the limit of its motion. The carriage 19 may normally stand at the forward or front position indicated in Fig. 1

and in this position becomes a barrier or starting point for the game. provided with two front wheels 73 and 73 and a single rearward wheel 73 centrally located between the two front wheels and connected to This carriage 19 may be-- the front wheels by means of the longitudinal bar or frame 72 strongly connected and braced to the axle and upright members of carriage 19. The front wheels of the carriage may be maintained in their proper track by cleats or guides 74 and 7 1 The rear wheel of the carriage may be guided by a channel or grooved track 74 preferably laid upon and inclined support corresponding to the pitch of the incline or support 71 for the front wheels. The incline 71 and 14 may preferably be made steep enough to cause the carriage 19 to return by gravity to its normal starting position at the front of the amusement device, but desirable the carriage and all its appurtenances may rest upon a horizontal floor or support. The extreme rearward limit of the movement of carriage 19 for the arrangement shown is indicated by the broken lines in Fig. l. The motion of the carriage to the rear is limited by a stop or bumper '77 against which bumper the end of frame '72 may strike. motion in the opposite direction or forward direction is preferably established by the rear wheel 73 coming into contact with a cushion or bumper 78 attached to the vertical panel or frame 79 which acts as one of the supports of the cage 12. The connecting longitudinal bar or frame 72 or carriage l9 penetrates or passes through an opening or hole provided in panel 79 to act as a guide to carriage 19 to prevent the carriage being moved out of its proper line. Upon the frame 75 of carriage 19 may be attached a light cord or wire netting '75 or other filler, to prevent contact of player with the cable 9e and hose 92 anchored to or attached to the supporting bar 92 of the carriage 19.

Power for driving the small air blower 81 attached to means 20 carried on carriage 19 is preferably supplied by the electric cable 94 preferably suspended from the electric conduit 94 and anchor bar 92 on carriage 19; said cable continuing onward from its attachment to bar 92 until it is suitably connected to motor terminals of the motor which drives the fan in blower 81. Compressed air or other gas or fluid supplied to the un 80 of the means 29 is preferably supplied through an air hose 92 which may be suspended from the top of a riser 93 and the anchor bar 92 on carriage 19; said hose continuing onward from its attachment to bar 92 and connecting with a suitable coupling on the pipe which terminates in the nozzle 89 of gun 80. The electric cable 94. and-the hose 92 are suspended in this manner to permit free motion forward and backward of the carriage 19 during the progress of the game while maintaining at all times the necessary supply of elec The limit of 11, 12 and 13 in a manner most favorable for the accomplishment of the purposes of the game or amusement.

It is preferably intended to supply the compressed air or other fluid used in the game through one or more mains 93 located at proper points and governed by means of suitable valves preferably operated by other than the players at a more or less removed point, preferably at one side of a single unit of the game, or at one end of a group of like or similar units. The gun may not be provided with means for stopping the flow of air from the nozzle 80 as the flow of air from the nozzles may be controlled by the attendant of the device from any suitable point. It will be obvious that a simple form of trigger may be arranged in the gun 80 under control of the player and by means of which the player can admit or stop the jet at will, without departing from the spirit of the inven tion. It is preferably intended to supply the electric current used by motor of blower 81 of each unit through electric cables combined in the usual manner and conveyed in one or more standard electric conduits 9% which are preferably combined as a part of the cage frame 29. The electric current for motor of blower 81 may be controlled by the attendant at any suitable point.

It will be obvious that the invention may be embodied in a single cage or unit and any desired number of hazards and impediments may be placed in the way of the free circulation of balloons inside the cage.

Havmg described only a typical or preferred form and a single application of the invention, I do not wish to limit myself to the specific details set forth but wish to reserve to myself any changes or variations that may appear to those skilled in the art or that fall within the scope of the following claims.

Having described my invention, I claim:

1. An amusement device of the character described including a permeable cage having a plurality of communicating compartments, means for controlling the admission of balloons to a compartment, hazards in a compartment adapted to puncture balloons upon the balloons engaging them, and means at the exterior of the cage manually controlled for propelling a balloon through the compartments.

2. An amusement device inclucdng, a cage formed of netting, means for admitting a balloon into the cage, means for directing air under pressure into the cage to propel the balloon, sharpened hazards in the cage adapted to destroy the balloon upon the balloon striking them, and means for removing balloons from the cage.

3. An amusement device including, a cage having two compartments connected by a passage, means at the exterior of the cage for propelling a balloon in the cage, and a pointed projection at the passage adapted to puncture a balloon.

4. In an amusement device, a plurality of cages, and means for simultaneously releasing balloons into the cages.

5. In an amusement device, a plurality of cages,

means for simultaneously releasing balloons into the cages, and means for causing the simultaneous expulsion of balloons from the cages.

6. An amusement device including, a plurality of cages, means for simultaneously releasing balloons into the cages, and means for causing the simultaneous expulsion of the balloons from the cages including, a shiftable closure in each cage, fluid pressure means for propelling balloons toward the closures, and means for simultaneous opening the closures.

'7. In an amusement device the combination of a cage having a portion of forarninous material, a mobile carriage at the exterior of the cage manually shiftable toward and away from said portion of the cage, a fluid pressure nozzle on the carriage for discharging fluid through said portion to propel objects within the cage, and means whereby the carriage automatically returns to a position spaced from said portion of the cage upon being released by the operator.

8. An amusement device including, a cage, means for propelling objects lighter than air through the cage, and hazards at spaced points in the cage operable to puncture such objects.

9. An amusement device including, a cage of reticulated material having partitions forming a lower compartment, an upper compartment, an overhead retention compartment communicating with the upper compartment, and a passageway connecting the upper and lower compartments, means at the exterior of the cage for propelling objects lighter than air through the cage, and hazards at the lower entrance to the passage- Way for destroying such objects.

10. In an amusement device, a plurality of cages for retaining objects lighter than air, and means for simultaneously removing such objects from the several cages including closures for openings in the cages, means operatively interconnecting the closures for simultaneous operation, and fiuid pressure means at each cage for blowing the objects through the openings when the closures are in the open positions.

11. In an amusement device, a plurality of cages for retaining objects lighter than air, means for admitting such objects into the cages, fluid pressure means for propelling objects through the cages, and means for simultaneously removing such objects from the several cages including closures for openings in the cages, means operatively interconnecting the closures for simultaneous operation, and fluid pressure means at each cage for blowing the objects through the openings when the closures are in the open positions.

12. A plurality of cages, each of which is provided with partitions dividing the same into compartments, openings through said partitions, closures for all said openings and means for simultaneous operation of said closures, fluid discharge means for propelling balloons lighter than air through said openings and compartments, hazards in some of the compartments causing the balloons impinging upon them to collapse.

CHARLES W. HILL. 

